NIO Minister of State Set to Build on Progress

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Hugo Swire MP, newly appointed Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office has joined the Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP for his first full week in the role.

Hugo Swire MP, newly appointed Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office has joined the Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP for his first full week in the role.

Mr Swire said: “I am delighted to be working along side Owen Paterson.

I served on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and so I know something of how dramatically Northern Ireland has changed.

It is important that Northern Ireland has representation in Government at all levels and I look forward to doing all that I can to ensure that the progress already made is built upon.

Mr Swire supports the Secretary of State across the range of NIO responsibilities and takes the lead in Human Rights, and, while the NIO continues to have responsibility for parading issues, liaison with the Parades Commission.

Mr Swire also has responsibility for elections and equality issues in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on Mr Swire’s appointment, Owen Paterson said:

I am very pleased that Hugo has joined the NIO and I am looking forward to working with him.

Devolution has transformed Northern Ireland but there remain challenges ahead and central Government will play an important role in helping Northern Ireland meet them. We will work together to do everything we can to make sure that Northern Ireland emerges strong and stable”.